Paul Doerksen, Assistant Professor of Theology and Anabaptist Studies at Canadian Mennonite University

Theology is for everyone

Professor makes the study of theology accessible

By Lewis Green and ChristianWeek | September 23, 2014

WINNIPEG, MB—Historically the study of theology was reserved for the intellectual elite but for more than a decade Paul Doerksen, Assistant Professor of Theology and Anabaptist Studies at Canadian Mennonite University (CMU), has insisted that theology is both important and accessible for every Christian.

This October, Doerksen’s “Take and Read” series seeks to engage those attending, regardless of their backgrounds, with theology and their faith. Doerksen says it is not uncommon to see farmers and office workers in attendance along with teachers and former students.

He is, however, most impressed with one particular group of attendees. “There is always a contingent of retired folk who are still really interested in the world and in continuing to develop their own thinking... I hope I am like that when I am retired.”

Participants are assigned four books from a wide range of authors to read before each evening session to serve as the basis for their discussion. The current selection includes works by Marilynne Robinson, Malcolm Gladwell, Christine Wiman, and a work co-authored by Thomas Lynch and Thomas Long.

This weaving the study of theology with modern literature has gone on for more than 20 years. Fellow CMU professor Gordon Matties founded “Take and Read,” originally named “Interchange,” and in 2003, Doerksen took the reins and eventually changed the name of the event to “Take and Read.” The new name references to St. Augustine’s conversion experience where he hears a child’s voice say in Latin, “Take and read,” and Augustine takes the Bible, reads it, and converts to Christianity.

Each evening also features desserts and coffee that are included in the cost of registration. The final evening is scheduled for April 15, 2015.